Description

Apple Pie Cupcakes are a delightful fusion of classic apple pie and tender spiced cupcakes, filled with a gooey cinnamon-apple filling and topped with a light, stabilized whipped cream frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes deliver all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld form.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling:

3 tbsp granulated sugar
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, diced small
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp all-purpose flour

Cupcakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp kosher salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

Stabilized Whipped Cream:

2 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare Apple Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and bubbling. Stir in flour to thicken. Let cool.
Make Cupcake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk until combined.
Assemble & Bake: Fill cupcake liners ¾ full with batter. Add 2 teaspoons of apple filling on top. Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick near the edge comes out clean. Cool completely.
Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting: Chill mixing bowl and whisk attachment. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add heavy cream and whip to stiff peaks. Mix in vanilla and salt.
Frost Cupcakes: Pipe stabilized whipped cream onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a caramel drizzle.

Notes

Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream for better volume.

You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead.

Cupcakes without frosting can be frozen for up to a month.

Substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter filling.

For extra presentation, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American